Best Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attractions & Ride Guide

Disney’s Hollywood Studios doesn’t have a ton of attractions, but it has some great ones. This guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions contains short reviews of our top picks, as well as numerical scores for every attraction. If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, it’s a great place to start when making a rough roadmap for what you want to do during your visit. (Last updated August 14, 2017.)

Everyone’s preferences will vary, so we’ll also provide a brief description of every attraction to give you an idea of whether particular attractions will appeal to your group. Our list of recommended attractions for Disney’s Hollywood Studios includes headliners and less well-known attractions that people overlook, but that are worth checking out. If you plan well and maximize your time in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you should be able to come close to doing it all in a single day. If you go at a slower pace or stop for table service meals, this guide will help give you an idea of which Disney’s Hollywood Studios rides and attractions are must-see for you, and which ones you won’t have time to do.

If you have children, you should also consult our full list of attractions with height requirements at Walt Disney World in addition to our ride guides. Unlike our Magic Kingdom Attraction Guide, Epcot Attraction Guide, and Animal Kingdom Ride Guides, you’ll notice that this one is fairly top heavy. While this might seem like a good thing, but unless you’re a party of only adults, it’s not. These attractions are rated based upon their target demographic (see below) and most of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ attractions–particularly the rides–are aimed at an older audience. In addition to that, it doesn’t have as many attractions, so by virtue of needing enough attractions to fill a whole day, there is no distinction between “the best” and “the rest” here, like in our other guides.

If the parks are only about attractions to you and you don’t have kids, Disney’s Hollywood Studios might be a great park for you. However, I present this caveat for those of you who care about a sense of place and a balance of attractions…Disney’s Hollywood Studios isn’t nearly as good as it looks on paper. To the contrary, we consider it the weakest Walt Disney World theme park…and one that you may want to consider skipping right now.

Please note that this guide was updated on May 26, 2017 to reflect Summer 2017 additions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The park is undergoing a massive overhaul to add Toy Story Land (which will open in 2018) and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (which will open in 2019), plus additional cosmetic and thematic changes around the park. As attractions open, we will provide further updates…

This guide assumes that you have a full day to spend in each of the Walt Disney World theme parks. You may have more or less time depending on how many day tickets you purchase and whether you add on the Park Hopper option (read our Walt Disney World Ticket Guide to determine which tickets are best for you).

Numerical scores are on a scale of 1 to 10, and only take into consideration overall quality relative to that specific type of attraction. Dark rides are judged against other dark rides, roller coasters are judged against other coasters, etc., to create a relatively level playing field. Attractions are rated based upon how much their target audience will enjoy them. For example, an attraction with a height restriction that precludes kids from riding it might score 9/10, despite it’s score for toddlers being 0/10. Likewise, a stage show based on a TV show for kids might score a 7/10 because that’s how much they’d enjoy it, even though it might be a 2/10 for adults. In our ratings, we only consider how well done the attraction is, overall and within its category, when experienced by its target demographic.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attractions

Toy Story Mania (8/10) – A 3D screen-based shooter game with Toy Story characters. Once the most heavily-hyped attraction at Walt Disney World, standby lines have gotten shorter for this in the last year since it opened a third track. It’s a fun game-based attraction, but it does feel a bit like a glorified Wii game, without much in the way of physical sets. It’s a fun and “intense” game that many guests are bound to really enjoy. Get FastPass+ for Toy Story Mania if you can. If you cannot, go right at park opening or at the end of the night.

Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (7/10) – This was a “temporary” attraction, but it has since been relocated to the former home of the American Idol Experience, “Superstar Television Theater.” This sing-along is obviously for kids, but there are a few moments of chuckle-worthy humor for adults. The Royal Historians of Arendelle weave the songs together with a loose retelling of Frozen. If you’re interested in finding out what other Frozen things are at Walt Disney World, check out our Guide to Frozen at Walt Disney World.

Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage (7.5/10) – A Broadway-style stage retelling the story of Beauty and the Beast in condensed form. Normally, we’re not fans of shows or attractions that are simply condensed versions of the normal stories, but Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage does enough with its choreography and performances (specifically by the inanimate objects) and dramatic styling that it feels like it actually brings something new to the table. In a park high on stage shows, this is a highlight. FastPass+ is available, but totally unnecessary.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (10/10) – A free-fall thrill ride set in the Twilight Zone with an elaborate lead-in and excellent story. This is the best Walt Disney World attraction to open in the last 20 years. We often hear from guests who don’t ride this because they don’t like thrills, but that’s a mistake. Yes, it’s technically a thrill ride, but it’s so much more (and really, the dropping is the least important part of the experience). The mood, the atmosphere, and the environments are all top-notch, and the pinnacle of Walt Disney Imagineering. If you don’t like thrills, take the chicken exit at the very end. It’s worth going through the experience of the attraction up until that point, even if you don’t do the ride itself. Tower of Terror has a 40″ height requirement and offers FastPass+. In its tier, it’s a good use of FastPass+, but don’t hesitate to wait in line for 30-40 minutes for this–the queue is an experience itself, with plenty of references from Twilight Zone episodes.

Walt Disney Presents… (8/10) – Formerly One Man’s Dream, this is a walk-through tribute to Walt Disney, with a film at the end (sometimes replaced by a movie preview). In addition to the tribute to Walt Disney, it now also functions as a preview center for additions to Walt Disney World, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. This walk-through is often overlooked by normal park guests despite being in a high traffic area. It helps put the parks in context, lifts the curtain on some things, and in so doing makes the theme parks more impressive. Commit 10 minutes to it just to check out some of the cool technology and history on display. You’ll likely find yourself spending a lot more time inside as you pore over the many interesting pieces that have made the Disney empire what it is today.

MuppetVision 3D (10/10) – 3D show featuring the Muppets. If you have a sense of humor, you’ll love MuppetVision 3D. The pre-show is actually the highlight of MuppetVision, and we think it can fairly be described as sidesplitting. Make sure you arrive early enough to see the full pre-show (wander around this holding area looking for gags as you watch). The main 3D show is good, and uses the typical 3D show gimmicks, plus characters in the theater. The sharp scripts in the pre-show and main show are incredibly quotable, too. Not loving MuppetVision 3D is distinctly unpatriotic. FastPass+ is available, but totally unnecessary.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid (7/10) – Stage show (partially black-light) telling a CliffNotes version of The Little Mermaid. When this debuted in the early 1990s, I’m sure the tech was cutting edge. Over the years, there haven’t been any updates to speak of, and the show (which leans on tech a fair amount) has started to feel a little long in the tooth. It’s still an enjoyable show that is worth seeing if you have the time, and the black light dancing fish scene is fun. FastPass+ is available, but totally unnecessary.

Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith (8/10) – Intense (by Disney standards) roller coaster with a loop, featuring Aerosmith. The pre-show and queue help make it more of a fully fleshed out experience, but Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster is basically an unthemed rollercoaster in the dark. It’s fun, but it’s not 90-minute-wait fun. It’s a thrills for the sake of thrills attraction. This is in the same FastPass+ tier as Toy Story Mania; if you don’t use FastPass+ on Toy Story Mania, definitely use it on this. Otherwise, do it first thing in the morning or via Single Rider.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (8/10) – A stunt show themed to Indiana Jones. Despite its age, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular still works. It features a variety of different stunt styles, offers humor, and engaging narrative scenes that just work. As far as action-oriented shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this is by far the best. FastPass+ is available, but totally unnecessary.

Disney Junior – Live on Stage! (6/10) – A stage show featuring Disney Junior characters. If you have kids, it’s probably for you. If you don’t, it’s probably not. We don’t, so we’re probably the wrong people to judge it.

The Music of Pixar Live! A Symphony of Character (8.5/10) – An adaptation of a show originally performed at the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater in California, this is now, ironically enough, being performed at Walt Disney World’s re-creation of the Hollywood Bowl. While ‘character’ in the name might discourage adults from seeing it, those without kids are actually the demographic who will enjoy this most. The orchestra arrangements are beautifully-performed, with minimal amounts of characters used throughout. If anything, families with small children will not enjoy this as much, as there’s possibly (probably?) not enough to hold the attention of kids for the entire 45-minute runtime of the show. (As of right now, this is only running for Summer 2017–expect it to be extended if popular.)

Fantasmic (8.5/10) – Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ nighttime spectacular in which you enter Mickey Mouse’s dreams in a show featuring projections, characters on stage, boats, fire, fireworks, and more. If you’ve never seen the Disneyland version, you’re likely to be blown away by Walt Disney World’s Fantasmic, which is completely unlike the fireworks at Epcot and Magic Kingdom. If you only have one night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and have to choose between this and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, choose this unless you are a huge Star Wars fan. Fantasmic is significantly better. It’s in the same FastPass+ tier as Toy Story Mania and Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, but if you elect or are unable to do either of those Fantasmic is a good use of FastPass+. Check out our Fantasmic Tips & Tricks post for more advice.

The Great Movie Ride (PERMANENTLY CLOSED) – Once a flagship attraction, the Great Movie Ride permanently closed on August 13, 2017 to be replaced by Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. We are in the process of updating all pages on this site to reflect the attraction closure. For now, if you find it mentioned elsewhere, please be advised that Great Movie Ride has concluded its run. Sorry!

Star Wars Attractions & Entertainment

Jedi Training Academy: Trials of the Temple (7.5/10) – Small scale stage show giving kids the opportunity to become Jedi. This is an attraction that kids will absolutely love if they’re into Star Wars and are extroverted. It’s not quite as much fun for the audience, but it’s still decent. This show was just updated around the time that The Force Awakens was released, and the new “Trials of the Temple” version is a nice upgrade from the original show.

Star Tours: The Adventures Continue (9.5/10) – A 3D motion simulator montage ride through various locations in the Star Wars universe. A recently updated attraction to include a scene from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, this is a fun, fresh experience with modern visuals and even locales from the newer Star Wars trilogy. The ride is fast-paced, and the locations you visit are randomized, adding to re-rideability. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue has a 40″ height requirement and isn’t recommended for those who easily get motion sickness. Although this has FastPass+, it also has a very high ride capacity, and an entertaining queue.

March of the First Order (6/10) – It’s a stretch to call this a fully-fledged attraction (the name is exactly what it is), but it’s pretty cool to see the Stormtroopers, led by Captain Phasma, marching the length of Hollywood Boulevard. Not much of a time commitment, and a fun photo op, to boot.

Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away (3/10) – This is basically a live-action montage show on the main stage in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is very poorly done, but kids (and perhaps adults?) who want to see their favorite characters in the flesh might enjoy it. Star Wars deserves better.

Star Wars: Path of the Jedi (1/10) – Originally prepared as a short film splicing together footage from the first two trilogies for people who had never seen The Force Awakens, this is still around for some reason. There is literally nothing original in this movie–it’s just an edited, long-form trailer. Again, Star Wars deserves better.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (7/10) – This “fireworks” show is worth seeing if you’re a Star Wars fan. It’s light on pyro and heavy on projections, and has a nice soundtrack from the films. There’s also a paid dessert party for reserved viewing.

For Summer 2017, “Disney Movie Magic” is a 10-minute long projection show celebrating movies (including Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Book, and TRON)and is essentially a pre-show for the “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show, being shown about 30 minutes before the fireworks start.

All of the Star Wars items listed above (aside from Star Tours and Jedi Training Academy) are temporary additions that were added until the large scale, big budget Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens. Unfortunately, their quality feels very much temporary. As indicated at the top of this post, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge does not open until 2019.

This leaves out random pieces of entertainment (the highlights of which are the excellent Citizens of Hollywood performers–their daily “Funniest Citizen” finale is not to be missed), character meet & greets, play areas, and seasonal offerings, but it’s the significant attractions. If you have the time, try as much as you can, as you’ll likely disagree with us on at least a few of these attractions.

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Your Thoughts…

Which Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions are your favorites? Which ones do you normally skip? Do you agree or disagree with our ratings? If you haven’t visited Walt Disney World yet, which Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions are you most excited about? Hearing from you is half the fun, so please share your questions and thoughts in the comments!

Am I nuts, or was there a tip somewhere in a HS post on DTB about a spot to stand and shoot a cool photo of Captain Phasma during March of the First Order? If my memory is right, the spot is at a particular intersection (on a sidewalk), and Captain Phasma actually leans into the crowd at that spot for a brief stare-down?

I might be thinking of a totally different site… but I don’t really read other Disney sites, much less any with photography mentions.

If it’s here, I must not be hitting the right keywords. Thanks in advance if you have any clues!

I love all your reviews! Thanks to you, everything will be so much easier! I do have a question. I’m planning to go to Orlando for new years eve 2016-2017. And I was wondering, which park will you prefer to hang out for the 31st? Between Magic K, Hollywood S, Animal K and Epcot? Thank you! I’m going 2 days to Disney Parks and 2 days to Universal parks. I read all your day trips, but still a bit confused.

I just went yesterday on 4/25/16 and I didn’t really like Hollywood Studios. Basically the park is in two sections, the Star Wars section and the Hollywood Boulevard section. Star Wars has Star Tours, which is awesome, but besides that it was very loud star was music blasting on all the park speakers from the stage show which would repeat every thirty minutes. I couldn’t talk to the person next to me over the noise. The Hollywood Boulevard section was wayyy too small for the huge crowds; it was super-jam packed just trying to walk down the street, and people were everywhere. The Great Movie Ride was a lot of fun. Aerosmith roller coaster was fun but not worth the 90 minute wait.

Unless you’re really into Star Wars / Star Tours or have park hopper, I’d say skip this park and wait until the expansions are finished and the park improves.

The Frozen Show was one of the best shows I’ve seen! The hosts had me cracking up. They are definitely above the kids head…but hilarious to adults. The kids love the sing along part. (Well my daughter did anyway….my son not so much!)